BREAKING: Tinton Falls, New Jersey Man Charged With Shoplifting

MIDDLETOWN POLICE OFFICER CHARGED WITH SHOPLIFTING FOR SKIP-SCANNING SCHEME

     "Brenden B. Santiago Has Been Suspended Without Pay After Being Charged With 2 Counts Of Shoplifting From Multiple Retail Stores."

Friday, January 26, 2024, 8:30 A.M. ET. By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,

FREEHOLD, NJ.- According to Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago, a 36-Year-Old Middletown Police Officer has been Charged with Shoplifting and Attempted Shoplifting after Stealing Items from Multiple Locations of a Discount Department Store.

     On Tuesday, January 23, 2024, Brenden B. Santiago, 36, of Tinton Falls, New Jersey was Taken into Custody and Formally Charged with One Count of Third Degree Shoplifting; and One Count of Fourth Degree Attempted Shoplifting.

     Following an investigation by Members of The Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office Professional Responsibility Unit and The Middletown Police Department determined from Mid-To-Late December 2023, Offices Santiago successfully Skip-Scanned Items, scanning multiple Less-Expensive Items and not scanning More-Expensive Items, or Pretending to Scan them and the Leaving the Store without Paying for them on Six Separate Occasions.

     On one occasion, Santiago was wearing his Middletown Police Department Uniform while he committed the Theft. On Saturday, January 9, 2024, Santiago was Observed once again Skip-Scanning Items and attempted to leave the Store without Paying for the Items for a Seventh Time. On this occasion, a Store Employee conducted a Receipt-Check on Santiago's Purchases and determined that some of the Items were not Paid For. The Total Value of the Items Stolen was in Excess of $500.00.

     Middletown Township Police Chief R. Craig Weber stated, "The criminal conduct alleged in the complaints filed against Patrolman Santiago are deeply troubling and do not reflect the values of our agency. We firmly believe that trust and integrity are the essential cornerstones of policing and we hold our employees to the highest professional and ethical standards. Santiago has been relieved of duty and suspended without pay pending the resolution of this matter.

"The Rules Of The Court Require Us To Include A Statement, That States: The Charges Outlined In This Publication Are Merely Accusations And The Defendant And Or Defendants Are Presumed Innocent Unless And Until Proven Guilty Beyond Reasonable Doubt."

FILED UNDER: JANUARY 26, 2024: LAW< MONMOUTH: